So you’re shopping for windows and you see the NFRC label. What does it mean? In simple terms, this label tells you that the window is energy-efficient. The NFRC is the National Fenestration Ratings Council, an organization that tests the thermal performance of windows and will affix its label to them if approved.
If this label is missing on the windows that you’re planning to purchase, it means the manufacturer has not submitted it for testing. You have no way to ensure its performance. Ryan Windows & Siding is the top window company in Redwing, MN as well as the greater Rochester, MN area and we are proud to offer products that bear the NFRC label.
Interpreting the label
The NFRC bases its rating on the performance of the whole product, not just on the performance of the glass. One glance at the label will reveal a lot of information about the door or window you’re about to buy. Here are the ratings on the label and their meaning:
• U-factor – This measures the thermal barrier capacity of the glass. A lower U-value indicates a better glass.
• Air Leakage – This is the extent to which air passes through cracks in the window. The rating for this is between 0.1 and 0.3. The lower the value, the less prone the product is to drafts and condensation.
• Condensation Resistance – This indicates how well the product is able to resist condensation on its interior surface.
• Visible Transmittance – This measures the amount of light that gets through the product. A higher VT means a higher potential for daylighting.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – This measures the amount of outdoor heat that comes into a room. The scale is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. A lower number indicates that the product can block solar heat gain better.
Investing in a product with the NFRC label means better savings for you in terms of energy costs. As your trusted window contractor in Rochester, MN, we install windows from the country’s top manufacturer - Renewal by Andersen®. In addition to the benefits of energy saving, you will enjoy one of the strongest warranties in the industry.
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